Beronia Gran Reserva, DOCa Rioja

Bodegas Beronia is quintessentially Rioja. Its wines are defined by the region and the soils in which the vines are grown, its name linked to the 'berones', a Celtic tribe who ilffabited La Rioja Alta in the 3rd century BC. Beronia the origins of La Rioja. The winery was founded in 1973 by a group of local businessmen whose great love of food and wine attracted them to the idea of producing their own Rioja. In 1982, the Gonzålez family, lookingto buy in the region, recognised the potential of the Beronia estate and began their long term commitment to the winery and to Rioja. Beronia retains the values inherent in its tradition and the millennia-old history of the Rioja region. Thanks to the support of Gonzålez Byass, however, it has also been able to incorporate a strong commitment to innovation and environmental protection. This dual focus on tradition and innovation is reflected in the creation of two distinct wine ranges; a prestigious classic range and a delightful single variety range highlighting the varieties native to the region.

Varietal: 92% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo

Viticulture

Bodegas Beronia is situed in Ollauri in the Rioja Alta area of Rioja, with the Sierra de Cantabria to the north and the Sierra de Demanda to the south. The area is influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean and has a variety of chalky and clayey soils which make it a unique enclave for vineyards. Bodegas Beronia has 20 hectares of vineyards surrounding the winery and controls another 840 hectares through long term contracts. All of the vineyards controlled by Bodegas Beronia are found within a 1 Okm radius ofthe winery therefore giving the wines a very Rioja Alta characteristic. A close relationship is maintained with the 150 suppliers guaranteeing that only the best quality grapes are selected and that the process is carried out in the most natural way. The selection process begins in the vineyard with the winemaker selecting from each plot and defining to which blend or crianza the grapes are destined. The grape varieties planted in the Bodegas Beronia vineyards are Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Vlura. The Tempranillo variety counts for 85 0 0 ofthe vineyards and is the base for the majority of Beronia wines. Beronia Gran Reserva is produced from Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano from the Rioja Alta region. The 2006 vintage was classified as 'Very Good' by the Regulatory Council of Rioja.

Vinification

The grapes used for Beronia Gran Reserva are chosen in the vineyards, usually from the oldest vines. All of the vineyards used for Gran Reserva are located in Rioja Alta, namely Ollauri, Rodezno, Gimileo and Briones. On arrival at the winery the grapes are hand selected on a sorting table and only the best quality used for the Gran Reserva. The vintage for these grapes took place mid October. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks of20.000 litre capacity with internal palettes for pisage. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation the wine was aged for 26 months in French oak barrels. The role of oak in the Beronia style is very important and much has been invested into how the wines, once in barrel, react to different toasts and styles of wood. These experiments have led Beronia to be pioneers in the use of mixed barrels, barrels with American oak staves and French oak ends. The wine was bottled mid 2009 and remains in bottle for 36 months before being released to the market.

Tasting Note

Deep maroon red colour. Intense and prolonged aromas with notes of black fruits and sweet spices such as cinnamon and vanilla over a base of balsamic and mineral. On the palate elegant, meaty and structured. The fruit stands out with notes of mint and cocoa over a base of tobacco. A lively wine with a fresh and long palate.